Disney Nomads ... 3 Resorts in 8 Nights! ALL NEW 9/2!

[SuddenlyObsessed]

Love the report!

 

[mirage0306]

For the first time we are staying in a vacation home. 7 of us going. Couldn't beat the price.

It's gonna be hotter than a conga line! Yes it is going to rain, that is what it does in August.

We are just going to make the best of it. Maybe I can borrow some red ponchose from mirage.

Oh and we are doing what ever Nebo is doing, he doesn't know it yet.

Kidding!

you KNOW you want to walk around the parks in glorified red garbage bags.

 

[monymony3471]

We always have to wear ponchos, might as well be fun looking!


Maybe I can find rainbow colors

 

[Sandy Mouse]

Really?!? All that rushing for fastpasses, and long descriptions of the rides you DIDN'T take, and all we get for Star Tours is ONE SINGLE LINE?

Despite my disappointment in your description of Star Tours (which I still have not been on; the six moons of Antar have not yet aligned for us), that was a really fun report.

Totally with Milton on this.

And see, I'm only 3 pages back now. Woo-hoo!

 

[Sandy Mouse]

We always have to wear ponchos, might as well be fun looking!


Maybe I can find rainbow colors

I would love to find fun colors! All you can find here are the clear ones. Now I'm on a mission.

 

[Sandy Mouse]

Quote:
Originally Posted by pkondz
No Aerosmith? Actually my DW won't ride it anymore either, I don't think. The first (and last) time she rode it. She got out of the ride at the end and couldn't quite figure out why her vision was blurry. Then she found her contact lens stuck to her forehead.

We have no idea how it wound up there.



I love that ride but I missed it this year.

I love that ride, too, but DD#2, my traveling partner, has decided that she won't do it anymore. I will always have to take an appropriately sized grandchild with us.

 

[Sandy Mouse]

I am really loving this TR!

 

[MisterSquid]

Hehe, Moondoggy.

In case any of you forgot why The Great Movie Ride is the second-greatest ride in Disney World, I uploaded 4:18 minutes of it to Photobucket, but I need to post three more times before DisBoards will let me post links ..... so, Laura?...

 

[mmeb144]

Hehe, Moondoggy.

In case any of you forgot why The Great Movie Ride is the second-greatest ride in Disney World, I uploaded 4:18 minutes of it to Photobucket, but I need to post three more times before DisBoards will let me post links ..... so, Laura?...

What is the greatest ride in Disney World? Just wonderin'....

 

[Sandy Mouse]

What is the greatest ride in Disney World? Just wonderin'....

I'm pretty sure he's not going to say Rockin' Roller Coaster.

 

[mmeb144]

I'm pretty sure he's not going to say Rockin' Roller Coaster.

We have to get him to post 3 more times, I think, so that he can post a link.

 

[shan23877]

Hehe, Moondoggy.

In case any of you forgot why The Great Movie Ride is the second-greatest ride in Disney World, I uploaded 4:18 minutes of it to Photobucket, but I need to post three more times before DisBoards will let me post links ..... so, Laura?...

I was wondering where Laura is too. I guess if you don't know either, maybe we should get worried?

I just gotta know why the GMR is the 2nd best ride in WDW. And what is the best? Your, or Laura's, adoring readers must know!

 

[mmeb144]

I was wondering where Laura is too. I guess if you don't know either, maybe we should get worried?

I just gotta know why the GMR is the 2nd best ride in WDW. And what is the best? Your, or Laura's, adoring readers must know!

Maybe Small World?

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Hi Laura! Loved your last update. Not sure why I didn't post.

Too funny about the creepy lady robots! I'm with Mr. Squid, I love TGMR too - not sure why

Hmmm, I'm guessing since you already mentioned the carousel, it must be IASW - although, it could be the teacups.

 

[smidgy]

Big thunder is the best, of course!

 

[laura74]

Love the report!

Thanks!

you KNOW you want to walk around the parks in glorified red garbage bags.

We always have to wear ponchos, might as well be fun looking!


Maybe I can find rainbow colors

OMG. You have to walk around in ponchos on a sunny day. That would be funny!

Totally with Milton on this.

And see, I'm only 3 pages back now. Woo-hoo!

I know. I did explain it in more detail later to him though. Sometimes I get caught up in the wrong details I guess.

I would love to find fun colors! All you can find here are the clear ones. Now I'm on a mission.

http://www.rainponchos.com/RainPoncho_Vinyl.htm

I love that ride, too, but DD#2, my traveling partner, has decided that she won't do it anymore. I will always have to take an appropriately sized grandchild with us.

I have to make an effort to get on it next year.

I am really loving this TR!

Thanks!

Hehe, Moondoggy.

In case any of you forgot why The Great Movie Ride is the second-greatest ride in Disney World, I uploaded 4:18 minutes of it to Photobucket, but I need to post three more times before DisBoards will let me post links ..... so, Laura?...

Click below for the video.

What is the greatest ride in Disney World? Just wonderin'....

I think he would say Carousel of Progress but he also likes Peter Pan, Speedway, Haunted Mansion.

I'm pretty sure he's not going to say Rockin' Roller Coaster.

Ha ha! You are definitely correct there!

We have to get him to post 3 more times, I think, so that he can post a link.

Yes Squid. You can post three times about how wonderful I am.

I was wondering where Laura is too. I guess if you don't know either, maybe we should get worried?

I know! I've been MIA for a few days Shannon. We've been busy and I was trying to finish up an update too. And Monkston keeps commandeering my Mac and it's hard to update from the iPad. Coming up...

Maybe Small World?

Oh yeah. He likes that one too.

Hi Laura! Loved your last update. Not sure why I didn't post.

Thanks Tammie!

Too funny about the creepy lady robots! I'm with Mr. Squid, I love TGMR too - not sure why

Hmmm, I'm guessing since you already mentioned the carousel, it must be IASW - although, it could be the teacups.

Definitely not the teacups. They make him dizzy.

Big thunder is the best, of course!

Love Big thunder!

 

[laura74]

It’s a beautiful day and the walk to the Boardwalk Inn is lovely. The pathway straddles the river and it feels like we’re taking a stroll in a park. This is not at all like that tedious walk to Saratoga Springs from Downtown Disney.

(You can see a detailed look at the walk here.)
http://www.easywdw.com/uncategorize...he-new-procedure-september-22-2011/#more-5525)

We’re excited to see our new home for the next two nights. As the resort comes into view I’m amazed at how large it is. I’ve only seen it from the boardwalk and looking at it from that angle, you have no idea how truly massive the place is. Back here are rolling lawns, trees and gardens. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a game of croquet being played.

We follow the kid noise of the main pool because we figure the lobby can’t be too far away. This is the pool that has the infamous clown slide that spits squealing children out of its mouth. As we round the corner of it we can just see the side of the clown’s hair.

“Mommy, that looks like brains! EWW!”

Eww indeed.

I spot a door that looks like it could eventually lead to the lobby and head over. When we booked this resort, they only had preferred views available. This is different from the more expensive Boardwalk view so I guess it includes all other the views that are not of the parking lot.

Wow! This is pretty. The lobby is so inviting with it’s white wainscoted walls, oriental rugs and homey chairs covered in florals and stripes.

I walk up to the desk and with a winning smile say, “Hi! We’re the Squid family. We’re so excited to be here and celebrate my husband’s birthday. This is our first visit to the Boardwalk!”

Will we score an upgrade?

The cast member smiles back and says it will just be a moment.

“Did I mention that we’re celebrating a birthday?”

“Yes. Happy birthday! Here’s your packet with your keys to the world. Just take the elevator one flight up and it’s just down the hall.”

That sounds pretty convenient. Right by the lobby. Score!

We get off the elevator and follow the signs leading to our room. I’m sure it’s just ahead. We walk.

And we walk.

Still walking.

This is a long hallway. We’ve got to be close by now.

We pass another sitting area. And we walk.

We walk some more.

We pass the presidential suite with huge double doors. I wonder what that looks like.

Still walking. I’m starting to feel like I’ve fallen down the rabbit hole. Does this hallway ever end?

“Mommy, I’m tired.”

“I know. I’m sure we’re almost there.”

Is this Disney’s idea of training for the parks? We walk some more and finally, all the way at the end of the mile long hallway is our room.

This is a pretty room. It’s very cheery and a little bit girly. I head over to the balcony to check out the view. Not bad. We can see the Swan and Dolphin and even the Tower of Terror way in the background.

Click below for a video tour.



We call bell services for our luggage and it arrives within minutes. So far this resort hopping is pretty easy.

After poking around the room for a bit we notice that one of the floor lamps isn’t working. I check to see if it’s plugged in and the plate is missing on the outlet. That’s pretty shabby looking for a deluxe room. I can’t get the lamp to work even after plugging it into the plateless outlet so we call housekeeping on our way to the pool. And this is another great thing about Disney. I know everything will be fixed when we get back.

We haven’t yet figured out that there is a stairwell leading to an outside entrance with steps of our door so we head back to the lobby. We walk.

And we walk.

We walk some more.

At least this is working off that picnic burger.

Finally we get to the lobby and get into the elevator. I forgot that this is a convention resort so I’m surprised to see two women dressed in pencil skirts and 4-inch heels get in with us. I feel a bit self-conscious dressed for the pool.

When we arrive at the pool I’m pleased to see that there’s plenty of seating available. I wonder if it’s not crowded because people are afraid of the much maligned clown slide or if the place is filled with convention attendees who don’t have time for swimming.

We find a table near the bar and Monkston and Mr. Squid head over to the slide. I think this pool is really cute. I love the carousel pool bar and the pool itself is large with lots of tables and loungers. I’ll admit the slide is a little creepy but it looks like it would be fun with its rollercoaster turns.

I head to the bar to get everyone’s mugs filled and the bartender brings our beverages in plastic cups. I must look confused because he explains that they’re not allowed to fill up the mugs themselves. Huh. That’s new. I don’t remember that at French Quarter last year.

I settle in with my iPhone for more adventures with Katniss and Peeta when I notice the man at the next table is reading Mockingjay.

“Hey,” I say. “I just discovered the first book a couple of days ago and I know it’s supposed to be for kids but I’m enjoying it. How’s the third book?”

He tells me he doesn’t think it’s as good as the others but still enjoyable. Then he mentions that he read the author wrote the books because she felt kids weren’t fighting the government enough. No one is getting involved and we’re just letting things happen … not voting, not staying informed. I thought that was interesting.

His wife notices I’m reading on my phone so we have a little discussion about the Kindle. I find it readable enough on the phone but I do wish I had gotten the nerve to tell Squid I wanted to bring my iPad to the pool. Somehow he’s gotten the impression that I’m a klutz and that something will happen to it.

Monkston and Squid come back with rave reviews of the slide.

“It’s the best slide Mom. Better than Bay Lake Tower’s. Better than the pyramid one!”

We hang out for a while longer. Since we don’t have any dinner reservations, we decide to just wing it and grab something on the boardwalk. I’ve read that one of the complaints about Boardwalk Inn is the lack of a food court but it seems to have a lot of food options. There’s the bakery, which in addition to breakfast items, has sandwiches at lunch; the lunch truck; the pizza window; and a couple of fairly inexpensive sit-down restaurants. Not far away you have even more choices at the Swan and Dolphin and Beach and Yacht Clubs.

Mr. Squid says we should look for a different entrance to get back to the room. Maybe we can find one closer. I think I’ve mentioned that we’re directionally challenged. If we do find an entrance closer to our room, there’s no guarantee that we’ll find the same one again.

“Do you know where you’re going, Squid?”

“No, but there’s got to be another way to get in.”

We walk around the building and finally we see a little door tucked in a corner. There’s a key card slot so I guess it’s legit. Let’s see where it takes us.

Score! Right to our end of the hall. Yay for Mr. Squid!

After we get in the room, I check the lamp, and good old Disney, it’s working. You can’t fault the service here.

Everyone gets dressed. We’re very casual since we’re just hanging out on the boardwalk. And in case anyone’s wondering, I’m wearing orange shorts and a blue and white striped sweater. Might sound weird but orange is this season’s color.

Mr. Squid says, “Let’s walk over to the Dolphin and see what it’s like over there.”

We’ve been curious about that place for a while. I want to see if it’s as whacked out on the inside as the outside. It drives me crazy that that big fat goldfish is supposed to be a dolphin. I read that it’s a mahi mahi dolphin fish and was inspired by an Italian sculptor but it still looks like a goldfish to me.

After exiting our new door we walk down the boardwalk and across the bridge to the Dolphin. There’s a party with loud music at the beach. I guess it must be a convention event because it’s huge. And LOUD! I wonder if it’s annoying to the other guests.

When you first enter the Dolphin there’s a small lobby area with a couple restaurants off to each side. Ahead is the escalator leading to the main lobby and wow, is that impressive! It’s really opulent with marble floors, soaring ceilings, a grand piano playing. If we hadn’t bought DVC, I would love to stay here.

We browse around the shops ending with the art gallery. I always feel a little uncomfortable looking around galleries. The salesperson is always bored and reading a magazine when you walk in and then they jump to attention and want to know if you need help and to please let them know. And then you just feel their eyes on your back the entire time you’re in there. I feel a little guilty because I know walking in that there is no way I’m buying anything.

The art they’re currently displaying is that super realistic painting style that’s really impressive but also kind of tacky. Does anyone purchase expensive art at Disney World? I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone buy something at any gallery I’ve been to.

We walk over to the Swan which is smaller and more intimate but just as elegant. Mr. Squid reads the menu in front of Il Mulina and says, “Hey, these prices aren’t bad. Look at the family style section. Do you want to see if they have a table?”

“I don’t know if we’re dressed properly. It looks pretty fancy.”

I see two women in cocktail dresses walk out and nudge Mr. Squid. “See?”

This does not faze Mr. Squid. He shrugs. “It’s Disney. People are casual.”

As it happens they have a table for us. I can’t believe they’re letting us in. We’re all in shorts and flip flops and this restaurant is place-the-black-napkin-on-your-lap-for-you fancy.

We sit down and I put the napkin on my lap before they do it and see that I’m wearing orange shorts. The woman at the table next to me is wearing a sequined cocktail dress. What are we doing here?

Our waiter arrives and tells us that he’s part of our wait team. Team? We order some wine and they bring over an amuse bouche.

“Um, Squid? Are you sure you read the menu correctly? This doesn’t seem like a family style restaurant.”

I take a look at the menu and I see that the family style items are per person, for four or more people. But there are quite a few items in the $25 range so it’s not outrageous. But it’s not exactly eating cheap on the boardwalk either.

We give our order to another team member. They buzz around us like bees, filling water glasses, topping off wine, removing bread plates.

Our food arrives and smells heavenly. Monkston’s pizza is the best she’ll have this trip. I try a bite and it’s delicious with a crispy crust that has air bubbles like only real pizza does. My herbed chicken with escarole is also very good.

Mr. Squid ordered a seafood pasta which he says is good but somehow missing something. He steals some of my escarole to mix in and declares it perfect and himself a genius. This coming from a guy whose past culinary endeavors include chicken livers with bacon and olives (gack!) and “Bachelor Chicken.” Bachelor Chicken tastes ok, but culinary brilliance it is not. You can see for yourself here.

http://www.friendlysuggestions.com/?p=691

Oops. I guess I gave away another super secret identity. Oh well. Nicknames are more fun.

After our fancy dinner we head back (sashay, Ponzi?) to the boardwalk. Our plan is to pick up some cinnamon rolls for breakfast in the morning. Monkston and I are meeting my friend Bets, a part time cast member, early in the morning for Epcot.

The boardwalk area at night is so much fun. I could watch these buskers (are they buskers if they don’t take money?) every night. I try to get Monkston to move closer to the front so they’ll pick her as a volunteer but she’s not having any of it. We watch several acts and then decide to call it a night. We want to be refreshed for our big day tomorrow.

 

[MisterSquid]

Oh yea, I forgot Speedway and Peter Pan! My #1 choice, I think, is Carousel of Progress. I saw it originally at The 1964-65 World's Fair although I was too young to remember much. I DO remember being astonished by the Hall of Presidents ... and being a kid, The Sinclair Dinoland Exhibit stood out. Small World too.

 

[MisterSquid]

Yes, as Laura was saying, there are few things more intimidating than walking into a restaurant underdressed. I'm fine with going to a higher-priced establishment, but I need to be BRACED for it. We went out looking for hot dogs and ended up at Il Mulina.

Laura thought I wasn't fazed, but I was.

For me, the anxiety really builds as we're being walked to the table. If we're going to run, we need to do it after the greeter seats us and before the next person takes our drink orders. But these guys were hot (they drew first and shot) and the waiter was on us immediately.

Running was no longer an option, so the only other choice was the Great Equalizer ... a bottle of wine. They opened it and had me do a taste-test. I've never returned a bottle that was just opened in front of me, and I doubt I could ever bring myself to do so (but we never choose anything that expensive anyway).

At that point, like the great thespians, I picture everybody in their underwear ... and I don't care. The dinner worked out just fine.

Also, you can put escarole on anything and it tastes better. Now yer a genius too.

One more post, and I can post links.

 

[mmeb144]

Hey, MisterSquid, do you like the Great Movie Ride and Carousel of Progress because they make great napping places? (My DD said to ask you.)